Wild wonder Down Under

Western Australia's south-west region is not often on a traveller's radar, but its fresh air, nature and seafood are not to be missed

Towering trees abound in the Boranup Karri Forest, creating a magical and timeless feel about the place.
Towering trees abound in the Boranup Karri Forest, creating a magical and timeless feel about the place. PHOTOS: WALK INTO LUXURY, LYDIA VASKO, WILD HOP BREWING COMPANY, TOURISM WESTERN AUSTRALIA, WWW.MARGARET RIVER.COM
Hamelin Bay has soft white sand and turquoise water, where friendly stingrays often come to swim with beachgoers.
Hamelin Bay has soft white sand and turquoise water, where friendly stingrays often come to swim with beachgoers. PHOTOS: WALK INTO LUXURY, LYDIA VASKO, WILD HOP BREWING COMPANY, TOURISM WESTERN AUSTRALIA, WWW.MARGARET RIVER.COM
The historic Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse, which marks where the Southern and Indian Oceans meet.
The historic Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse, which marks where the Southern and Indian Oceans meet. PHOTOS: WALK INTO LUXURY, LYDIA VASKO, WILD HOP BREWING COMPANY, TOURISM WESTERN AUSTRALIA, WWW.MARGARET RIVER.COM
Thrombolites – 2,000-year-old photosynthesising micro-organisms that look like bone-coloured mounds – at Lake Clifton.
Thrombolites – 2,000-year-old photosynthesising micro-organisms that look like bone-coloured mounds – at Lake Clifton. PHOTOS: WALK INTO LUXURY, LYDIA VASKO, WILD HOP BREWING COMPANY, TOURISM WESTERN AUSTRALIA, WWW.MARGARET RIVER.COM
Wild Hop Brewing Company’s tasting paddle.
Wild Hop Brewing Company’s tasting paddle. PHOTOS: WALK INTO LUXURY, LYDIA VASKO, WILD HOP BREWING COMPANY, TOURISM WESTERN AUSTRALIA, WWW.MARGARET RIVER.COM
Grilled crayfish.
Grilled crayfish. PHOTOS: WALK INTO LUXURY, LYDIA VASKO, WILD HOP BREWING COMPANY, TOURISM WESTERN AUSTRALIA, WWW.MARGARET RIVER.COM
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Stepping out of the airport, it was the air I noticed first. Mint-crisp and resinous, the scent of eucalyptus perfumed the cool night.

It was a true breath of fresh air as my husband and I packed our rental car and headed to Mandurah, a coastal city an hour's drive south of Perth.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Sunday Times on February 16, 2020, with the headline Wild wonder Down Under. Subscribe